Leslie Adrienne MillerLoft Literary Center/Open Book CenterFollowing readings in Columbia, Kansas City and Chicago, acclaimed local poet Leslie Adrienne Miller returns to the Twin Cities this Wednesday to read from her new book of poetry, "The Resurrection Trade." A marriage of science and poetry, "The Resurrection Trade" addresses 18th century medicine and the mystery of the female body. As publisher Graywolf Press explains, in this latest collection, Miller "delves into the mysteries of early anatomical studies and medical illustrations and finds there stories of women's lives--sometimes tragic, sometimes comic--as exposed as the drawings themselves. These meticulously researched and rendered poems become powerful testimonies to women's bodies objectified and misunderstood throughout history." Miller's sensuous and harrowing verse brings a new truth to what she calls in one poem "the strange collusion of imaginary science and real art." Visit the Loft this week to hear Miller's poetry in her own voice--she is one of the finest poets you will ever encounter. Miller is the award-winning author of several poetry collections, including "Eat Quite Everything You See" (2002), "Yesterday Had a Man In It" (1998), "Ungodliness" (1994) and "Staying Up for Love" (1990). 7 p.m. Free. 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. 612-215-2575.AUDRA OTTO

Fearless FilmmakersOak Street CinemaAn evening of Twin Cities-made films (mostly fictional) that range from a family confronting euthanasia to religious themes, including a contemporary "Noah" and satirical horror. One of the best parties of the year at Stub & Herbs, with the filmmakers, follows the screenings. 7:30 p.m. $9/$7/$5. 309 Oak St. SE, Mpls. 612-341-3134.LYDIA HOWELL

HOT PICKIce PalaceNomad World PubIt's hard to believe it's already been a month since the Minneseries switched from Tuesdays to Thursdays and Ice Palace started their residency as the first band to host the series in its new format. After weeks of travel and conflicts, I finally made it out to check them out live last week and they were fantastic, baring teeth only hinted at on their superlative debut release, and just generally rocking their own and everyone else's pants off on jangly rockers like "Bright Leaf Left" and standout track "Nuance and Spark." This week, they'll be joined by singer-songwriter Poosa and her crack band and they'll also pass the torch to April's resident band, First Communion Afterparty. FCAP, who look a little like Jefferson Airplane and pin their music to the wall with a rusty thumbtack like a psychedelic poster from the Fillmore West's heyday, have been garnering rave reviews in the local press and even made it down to Austin to play a couple unofficial shows at South by Southwest. Come ring out the Minneseries' first resident band and simultaneously welcome the second. 9 p.m. Free. 21+. 501 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls. 612-338-6424.STEVE McPHERSON

Arab Film FestivalHeights TheatreHere's a chance to see Arab Cinema from 23 countries, which includes documentaries and fictional features. Mizna is the Arab-American Journal of Literary Arts, a nonprofit organization that curates and hosts this annual event--one of the most important of the year. Many of these films were lauded at Sundance. Of special note: "Song of the Missing Men" and "Baghdad Rap," which might be called "frontline hip-hop" from Iraq. The Arab Film Festival is a rare opportunity to see films by and about Palestinians, including "Hot House," a documentary that goes inside Israeli prisons where thousands of Palestinians are detained. During the festival some of the filmmakers will be on hand to talk about their work. Through Apr. 1. Thu. opening reception 6 p.m.; "Heaven's Door" 7 p.m.; Fri. 4 – 9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. $8/$5 each or festival pass $40/$50. 3952 Central Ave. NE, Columbia Heights. 612-788-6920 or mizna.org.LYDIA HOWELL

Matthew HopeAcadia CafeChicago-reared musician Matthew Hope has brought his brand of Brit-leaning folk-rock to the Twin Cities and we couldn't be luckier. His debut solo album, Black Tea Nights, shows an attention to sonic detail that any musician would envy; perhaps it comes as a result of Hope's being blind since birth. On board for Hope's first album are a bevy of local heavyweights (JoAnna James, Chris Koza), a select company which Hope should find himself joining in terms of public profile soon enough. 9 p.m. $5. All Ages. 1931 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls. 612-874-8702.NATHAN DEAN

Chooglin'Memory LanesYou might know the story by now, but Chooglin' rose from the ashes of the Midnight Evils, a band that already cast a considerable shadow over these towns when I moved here three years ago. As such, first the Evils, and then Chooglin' were bands I took a little for granted. Chooglin's hard-charging bar-rock sound seemed to fit in nicely alongside Midwestern-rock revivalists like The Hold Steady, but when I got their debut album, complete with hand-stitched cover art inspired by erstwhile jazz-rockers Chicago, I realized how great a role their horn section, the Horns of Eleganza, play in the band's sound, and this was brought home again more forcefully by their appearance on an episode of Homegrown I was co-hosting last month. Radio tends to respond best to delicacy on the part of a live band, but Chooglin', once started, could not be stopped. All the engineers could do was separate everyone and hope for the best. What they got had a trace of restraint, but still kicked out the jams in all the right places, Brian Vanderwerf and Jesse Tomlinson leading the band through their paces like thoroughbreds. I've exhorted you to attend a show at Memory Lanes before, and if you have, good on you. If not, Chooglin' provides the perfect excuse to start. With The Norsemen. 8 p.m. Free. 2520 26th Ave. S., Mpls. 612-721-6211.STEVE McPHERSON

EstateTurf ClubSomewhere, even if only in passing, you have heard bits and pieces of Estate before, but not all in one place at the same time. Producer duo Joshua Johnson and Dan Kramer whip up a funky, catchy, loopy and-- at times--beautifully melancholy mix of Boards of Canada and Air with thick, sharp shards of '70s funk, '80s R&B and old-school hip-hop so as not to lull anyone into a coma, and then they splatter the final product with the pop culture-laden silliness of Beastie Boys to make things all the more interesting. If you didn't hear their Midwestern accents or the looped shout-out to Minnesota on the song "Fortis Ride," you'd swear they emerged from a lonesome, spare flat in London's Brixton neighborhood. They have created one of the year's bright spots with their debut, The Vacation. Expect to immediately fall in love with them despite the irreverence; to be itching for a pack of Gauloises cigarettes despite the fact that you don't smoke; and to suddenly be dancing despite yourself. With Walker Kong (See Nathan Dean's article on Walker Kong on page 20), Vicious Vicious and Jeremy Messersmith. 9 p.m. $5. 21+. Corner of University & Snelling Aves. St. Paul. 651-647-0486.PAT O'BRIEN

Beyond Marriage!Loft Literary Center/Open Book CenterJoin New York University professor of History and American Studies Lisa Duggan for a queer rethinking of gay marriage. This conversation will place the mainstream GLBT political movements' focus on "marriage equality" in a broader political context, exploring the ways that gay marriage demands uphold, rather than challenge, the conservative turn in U.S. politics. From government marriage-promotion initiatives to abstinence-only sex education to faith-based initiatives, Duggan illustrates that compulsory marriage has long been at the center of right-wing politics. Duggan will instead offer a model of queer politics demanding livable wages, the right to health care, affordable housing and a stable environment for everyone, not just those with rings on their fingers. Afterward, join the get-together at the Belfry Center, in honor of Duggan's activist and intellectual work. The Revolting Queers will make their eye-catching debut in this summers' GLBT Pride Festival, challenging the corporate and religious domination of gay public events and offering a queer political alternative. 7 p.m. 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. Afterparty 9 p.m. The Belfry Center, 3753 Bloomington Ave. S., Mpls. RYAN MURPHY

Quest for the Voice Benefit ConcertIn the Heart of the Beast TheatreYou can add the thoughtfully hellified gut-funk of Big Quarters, whose debut, Cost of Living, dropped this week, to the storied ranks of quality hip-hop talent in the Twin Cities. "Test" is a laid-back, hard-driving Big Quarters' cut: "Yeah, I know, we doing the same / some grown men grown babies, can't get through to their brain / can't pay for food and shoes, school same, job no / thinking when they're through, they can pull on a chain. Poof!" This duo (Medium Zach and Brandon Allday) has done guest stints on albums by--among others--Wright, I Self Devine, Kanser and Unknown Prophets. Now, they step to the fore. Quest for the Voice will showcase quality hip-hop talent in Twin Cities, both established and emerging at this benefit show, which Big Quarters will be hosting. Their CD release event is April 5 at the 7th St. Entry with Famfeud, Tish Jones, Mavin MC and M.anifest. Meanwhile, catch them tonight. 7 p.m. $10 - $25. All ages. 1500 E. Lake St., Mpls.DWIGHT HOBBES

Stop the War on IraqSenator Norm Coleman's OfficeFor the past eight Tuesdays, activists have held all-day vigils in the offices of senators and representatives as part of the Occupation Project, a national campaign to end the war on Iraq. With the goal of pressuring Congress to vote against further funding for the war, vigil participants have succeeded in scheduling meetings with staff members and a few have agreed to hold town hall meetings about the war. Senator Norm Coleman has yet to meet personally with peace activists and refuses to vote against further funding for the war. Demonstrate next Tuesday at one of the busiest intersections in the Twin Cities (Hwy. 280 and University Ave.) and pressure Coleman to represent the majority of Minnesotans. The event will include speeches, banners and other creative tactics. See organizers when you arrive to discuss which part of the demonstration you would like to be a part of. Sponsored by the Anti-War Committee and the Twin Cities Peace Campaign. 4:30 p.m. 2550 University Ave., St. Paul. 612-379-3899.KATRINA PLOTZ

Privateer AnniversaryTwin Cities Magic & CostumeCome on, it's no secret--you've always wanted to be a pirate. We've seen those "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies piled next to your computer and the little button you've added to your computer that says "Avast!" Well, if you're ever going to be a pirate, today's the day: It's the anniversary of the Continental Congress giving permission for privateering against the British navy in 1776, effectively legalizing piracy. We're sending you to St. Paul Magic and Costume to stock up on pirate supplies (they have a dazzling selection of tri-corner hats and costume hooks). As to how to celebrate the holiday, it's up to you, but we suggest good rum (Barbancourt or Blackstap) and a memorable pirate film. Douglas Fairbanks' 1926 "The Black Pirate" is so spectacular that its ship-to-ship battle scenes were recycled in dozens of later pirate flicks. 241 W. 7th St., St. Paul. 651-227-7888.MAX SPARBER